It seems almost unbelievable.
Cate Blanchett, famed for her role in the blockbuster “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” has revealed that the film’s immense box office success did not extend to the actors’ paychecks.
During her visit to “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen,” Blanchett participated in the game “Plead the Fifth” where she was quizzed about her most lucrative film role.
Cohen speculated, “I think it’s probably ‘Lord of the Rings,’” to which Blanchett responded with disbelief, “Are you kidding me? No. No one got paid anything to do that movie.”
Cohen, curious, inquired if she received a percentage of the film’s earnings, a common practice for major stars. Blanchett denied this, explaining, “That was way before any of that. No, nothing.”
She shared that her primary motivation for joining the 2001 film was the opportunity to collaborate with Peter Jackson, the director of the “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy.
“I wanted to work with the guy who made [1992 horror comedy film] ‘Braindead,’” Blanchett remarked. “I mean, I basically got free sandwiches. And I got to keep my ears.”
Blanchett portrayed the royal elf Galadriel in the “The Lord of the Rings” series. The first installment alone garnered nearly $900 million globally. She is currently promoting her upcoming movie, “Borderlands,” set to release in theaters this Friday.
